Sunday, 27 April 2014

17: Michelle

Portraits - the Motherhood series.

Michelle met her husband Bob at an annual 'Pyjama Jump' university pub crawl twenty years ago. She was wearing pyjamas, he was in a skirt and bra! While proud to be first loves and best friends, getting married was never much of a priority for either of them. Last year however, largely to honour their daughter's request, they surprised us by stealing away to Edinburgh, Scotland for a small and intimate wedding.At the time of our chat earlier this week, Michelle was working on an essay for her post graduate diploma in Counselling as well as preparing for a children's slumber party. All due this weekend... of course! Michelle has always been interested in pursuing a career as a counsellor but when the opportunity to take that path arose at twenty one, she felt she lacked life experience. It was becoming a mother to her two beautiful children Katie (six) and George (two and a half) that gave Michelle the confidence in her own abilities to enrol in her (soon to be completed!) diploma. I love that motherhood gave her the courage and belief in herself to follow her passion. Through her studies, Michelle has been counselling at a women and children's refuge, providing support to those escaping domestic violence. She is very passionate about advocating and supporting women and their children through this very traumatic and unfortunately common experience. When it comes to her kids, she talks of how they teach her patience and selflessness. How days can sometimes be very long and challenging but how fortunate she feels to be home with them. Appreciating the simple things and sharing in their joys and heartaches.

You can view all of my portraits from 2013/14 by clicking on the Portrait Series links in the right sidebar of this page.In case you're wondering about the inspiration for this year's Motherhood portrait series, you can read more about it here.

3 comments:

That is certainly a tough calling to have on your life.....but a much needed role in our community....so many mums, families and children doing it so tough. We are blessed those of us who have been given the gift of love and security. X